Reviewed by Sarita Jarrett

My first reaction to this production from a group of whom I was previously unaware was, "How DO you pronounce that name?!" Apparently it comes from Mark chapter seven and means "be opened". Ephphatha is a group of American composers and performers of contemporary Christian music who have been performing together in the greater St Louis area for more than 10 years. The group has nine members featuring three and four part harmonies backed by piano, guitars and flute. The lyrics are very scripturally based. The harmonies are cleverly crafted and well performed with good backing arrangements. The music is pleasant to listen to with a folk influence suggested in some of the songs. My two favourites are "Seven Miles From Jerusalem" and "For The Least Of These". The former is the story in Luke 24 of the two men travelling to Emmaus and the latter is the oft forgotten truth about our responsibility to those less fortunate than ourselves. I found the collection a little lacking in melody "hooks" and consequently the tunes are not overly memorable. However, it's well produced, pleasant reflective music - perfect if you just want to lie back and relax.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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